Method of preparing a sample for examination in a TEM

ABSTRACT

A method of preparing a sample for examination in a TEM, where the sample is attached to a probe tip point, uses a TEM sample holder form embodied in a TEM sample holder coupon. The probe-tip points and the TEM sample holder coupon are oriented with each other so that the sample is approximately centered in the TEM sample holder form. The probe-tip points are embedded in the TEM sample holder form by means of a press, simultaneously cutting off that portion of every probe-tip point outside the boundary of the TEM sample holder form and cutting the TEM sample holder free from the TEM sample holder coupon. The operation can be formed inside or outside of a focused ion-beam instrument.

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This patent application claims the priority of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/896,596, filed Jul. 22, 2004, further claiming priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/519,046, filed Nov. 11, 2003. Application Ser. No. 10/896,596 is incorporated into this divisional application by reference.

BACKGROUND

The use of focused ion-beam (FIB) microscopes has become common for the preparation of specimens for later analysis in the transmission electron microscope (TEM). The structural artifacts, and even some structural layers, in the device region and interconnect stack of current integrated-circuit devices can be too small to be reliably detected with the secondary electron imaging in a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), or FIB, which offers a bulk surface imaging resolution of approximately 3 nm. In comparison, TEM inspection offers much finer image resolution (<0.1 nm), but requires electron-transparent (<100 nm thick) sections of the sample mounted on 3 mm diameter grid disks.

Techniques were later developed for cutting out and removing specimens for examination that required little or no preliminary mechanical preparation of the initial semiconductor die sample before preparation in the FIB. These lift-out techniques include an “ex-situ” method that is performed outside the FIB chamber, and “in-situ” methods performed inside the FIB.

The process of in-situ lift-out can be simplified into three successive steps. The first is the excision of the sample using focused ion-beam milling and extraction of the sample from its trench. The second is the “holder-attach” step, during which the sample is translated on the probe-tip point to the TEM sample holder. Then it is attached to the TEM sample holder (typically with ion beam-induced metal deposition) and later detached from the probe-tip point. The third and final step is the thinning of the sample into an electron-transparent thin section using focused ion beam milling.

A significant portion of the total time involved in completing a TEM sample with in-situ lift-out is spent during the holder-attach step. The relative amount of time involved depends on the amount of time required to mechanically isolate the lift-out sample from the initial bulk sample (ion beam milling rate), but will vary between 30% to 60% of the total time for TEM sample preparation. In order to eliminate the holder-attach step, it would be desirable to directly join the probe-tip point with the sample attached to the material that will form the TEM sample holder.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the TEM sample holder coupon of the preferred embodiment, where the sample holder has a ring shape and one probe tip is intended for use.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the TEM coupon of FIG. 1, showing a probe tip positioned across it before embedding and cutting.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the TEM coupon of an alternate embodiment, where the sample holder has a ring shape and four probe tips are intended for use.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the TEM sample holder and probe-tip combination, formed from the TEM coupon of FIG. 1, with a ring opening allowing FIB ion milling of the top surface of the lift-out sample.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the TEM sample holder and the four probe-tip combination, formed from the TEM coupon of FIG. 2, with a ring opening allowing FIB ion milling of the top surface of the lift-out sample.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a probe-tip point embedded in a TEM coupon.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a probe-tip point attached to a TEM corrugated coupon via electrical or thermal bonding.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a probe-tip point attached to a TEM sample holder using adhesive.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a probe-tip point bonded to the TEM sample holder material with a CVD or evaporated material.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the press and the shear punch of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the press and the shear punch of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the shear punch of FIG. 10 and the inner and outer dies.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the shear punch of FIG. 10, shown engaging a coupon and a probe tip.

FIG. 14 is a transverse view of the probe-tip point, tip former rod of the preferred embodiment positioned above a probe-tip point, and a TEM sample holder, with the probe-tip point embedded in a TEM sample holder.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the TEM sample holder and probe-tip point combination shown in FIG. 4, with the circumferential gap made in the sample holder ring for the backside milling.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the TEM sample holder and four probe-tip points combination shown in FIG. 5, with the ring opening made for the backside milling.

FIG. 17 is a transverse view of a corrugated TEM coupon.

FIG. 18 is a transverse view of a probe-tip point, embedded in a corrugated TEM coupon.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of the TEM coupon of the preferred embodiment, where the sample holder has a rectangular shape and four probe tips are intended for use, with an opening allowing the sample top surface FIB ion milling.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of the TEM coupon of the preferred embodiment, where the sample holder has a rectangular shape and four probe tips are intended for use, with an opening allowing backside FIB ion milling of the bottom surface of lift-out samples.

DESCRIPTION

The preferred embodiment includes a novel method and apparatus for adjoining a probe tip with attached sample to a TEM sample holder that replaces the holder-attach step of the conventional method. In the preferred embodiment, this mechanical process is performed outside the vacuum chamber, although it could be performed inside the FIB chamber as well. In the preferred embodiment, the first step of the in-situ lift-out procedure (the excision of the sample) is completed in the FIB, and the probe-tip point with the sample attached is then removed from the FIB chamber. This removal can be accomplished by a number of means, including but not limited to, removal of the probe tip and attached sample through the sample door of a FIB equipped with a door, translation of the probe tip and attached sample through a vacuum airlock on the nano-manipulator device, or the translation of the probe-tip point and attached sample in a cassette that passes through a vacuum airlock on the FIB chamber. All but the first means listed do not require that the FIB vacuum chamber be vented to atmosphere, which offers cycle time reduction and long-term equipment reliability advantages.

The Coupon

In the preferred embodiment, the probe-tip point (160) of a nano-manipulator probe (150) is attached to a TEM coupon (100) by a combined mechanical forming and cutting operation. As shown in FIG. 1, the TEM coupon (100) is a sheet of material of approximately the same thickness as the final sample holder (170). The TEM coupon (100) contains the shape of the final sample holder (170) (the “TEM pre-form”), although this pre-form has not yet been completely mechanically isolated. Most of the final shape of the typical 3 mm TEM sample holder (170) can be created in the sheet in advance, as consumable coupons (100). The pre-form is still attached to the coupon (100) with tabs, lands, or other sections of the sample holder material (120). The pre-form has a ring (180) that will be a part of the final TEM sample holder (170). The ring (180) is thus defined by a C-shaped hole (135) in the coupon (100). The mouth of the C-shaped hole (135) is the attaching land (120). Other enclosing shapes, such as rectangles, may also be used.

The holder material is preferably soft copper, but may also be molybdenum, aluminum, gold, silver, nickel or beryllium, if appropriate to the application. The coupon (100) orients the sample holder form (170) and holds it in place during the mechanical steps of the isolation process, described below. FIG. 2 shows a nano-manipulator probe tip (150) placed across the coupon (100). The probe (150) has a probe-tip point (160) that holds a sample (140) for analysis. Typically, the probe-tip point (160) is a fine tungsten needle.

The TEM coupon (100) may also be fabricated from a material harder than copper, such as molybdenum or it may have a surface structure that facilitates the mechanical embedding of the probe-tip point (160) in the coupon material. A good example is a surface structure with corrugations (175) that have a period approximately the same or less than the probe-tip point (160) diameter. FIGS. 7 and 17 show cross-sections of a corrugated structure. In FIG. 7, the corrugation period is about half the diameter of the probe-tip point (160). The corrugations (175) may be periodic, such as continuous rows or ridges roughly aligned in the direction of the probe-tip point, rows of individual posts, or non-periodic free-form elevations. These structures can be easily deformed to lock the probe-tip point (160) in place.

The remaining tabs, or lands (120) of the coupon material, which connect the partially formed TEM sample holder (170) to the coupon (100), are severed during the combined mechanical forming and cutting operation, described below. The TEM sample holder (170) is preferably produced in the shape of a ring (180) with a circumferential gap (190) to enable later FIB ion milling of either top or bottom surface of the sample (140) in the plane of the TEM sample holder (170), thus producing an electron-transparent thin section that would be approximately parallel to the plane of the TEM sample holder (170). Other shapes that allow for a circumferential gap (190) in the ring (180) of the formed TEM sample holder (170) may also be used. FIGS. 19 and 20, for example, shows a TEM sample holder (170) having two gaps (190), where the shape of the TEM sample holder (170) is rectangular.

FIGS. 4, 5, and 19 show TEM sample holders (170) with probe-tip points (160) mounted for top-side ion milling of samples (140). FIGS. 16 and 20 show TEM sample holders (170) with probe-tip points (160) mounted for back-side milling of samples (140).

Methods of Forming the TEM Sample Holder

The probe-tip point (160) with the sample (140) attached can be joined to the material that will form the TEM sample holder (170), so as to preserve the attachment between the sample (140) and the probe-tip point (160), and prevent the probe-tip point (160) and sample (140) from separating from the TEM sample holder (170) during transportation, storage or inspection in the TEM. The assembly should not interfere with the normal operation of the TEM, or other intended analytical instrument, and should survive well in the internal environment of the TEM, or other intended analytical instrument.

FIGS. 6-9 and 18 show methods for joining the probe-tip point (160) to the TEM coupon (100). FIG. 6 is a cut-away view of mechanical deformation of the material of the coupon (100) or probe-tip point (160), or both. FIG. 7 depicts electrical or thermal bonding (320), such as welding, of the probe-tip point (160) to the coupon (100). FIG. 7 also shows corrugations (175) in the TEM sample holder material; in this case the corrugation period is about the same as the diameter of the probe-tip point (160). FIG. 8 shows bonding the probe-tip point (160) to the TEM sample holder (170) material with a suitable glue or adhesive (330). FIG. 9 shows bonding the probe-tip point (160) to the TEM sample holder (170) material with a CVD or evaporated material (340).

Once the TEM sample holder (170) with one or more probe-tip points (160) with samples (140) attached to it has been created, it can be returned to the FIB for the final thinning operation, during which the desired portion of the lift-out sample (140) or samples is thinned to electron transparency (typically 50-250 nm). This final thinning can be performed in an off-line FIB to maximize throughput of the in-line FIB and to take advantage of the efficiency, expertise and dedicated resources of the off-line FIB lab that can be located outside the clean room. However, if the apparatus for attaching a sample to a TEM sample holder is located inside the FIB, the final thinning operation can be performed immediately.

In an alternative method, the final thinning step can be performed in the FIB after the lift-out step and before the probe-tip point (160) with the sample (140) attached is removed from the FIB for attachment to the TEM sample holder outside the FIB. In this method, it is not required to return the mechanically formed TEM sample holder (170) with the sample (140) attached, to the FIB for final thinning. However, the final thinning process requires the additional time in the initial FIB. In this method, the probe-tip point (160) with the sample (140) attached is translated to a suitable location in the FIB, and the ion beam in the FIB is then used to perform the final thinning step. Then, the probe-tip point (160) with the thinned sample (140) attached is removed from the FIB and attached to the TEM sample holder (170) using the mechanical forming and cutting process described above. It is recommended, but not required, to stabilize the probe-tip point (160) mechanically to reduce any vibration in the probe-tip point (160) relative to the FIB chamber to an acceptable level, or to reduce any mechanical drift of the probe-tip point (160) relative to the FIB chamber. The probe-tip point (160) with the sample (140) attached can be mechanically stabilized by making mechanical contact between the probe-tip point (160) and a suitably stable surface in the FIB, or between the sample (140) and a suitable surface or object in the FIB. For example, the edge or a corner of a mechanical structure attached to the FIB stage, and the probe-tip point (160) can be brought together into mechanical contact. Or, the bottom edge of the sample (140) can be brought into mechanical contact with the surface of the sample stage or any stable mechanical object attached to the sample stage (e.g., the surface of the wafer). The stable object can be rigid, or can be deformable by plastic or elastic deformation, to accept the shape of the probe-tip point (160) or lift-out sample (140) and further dampen any relative mechanical vibration in the probe-tip point (160).

In another alternative method, the final thinning step can be performed in the FIB after the lift-out step and before the probe-tip point (160) with sample (140) attached is joined to the TEM sample holder inside the FIB vacuum chamber. In this method, the probe-tip point (160) with the lift-out sample (140) attached is translated to a suitable location in the FIB, and the ion beam in the FIB is then used to perform the final thinning step. Then, the probe-tip point (160) with the thinned sample (140) can be attached to the TEM sample holder (170) inside the FIB vacuum chamber using the mechanical forming and cutting process described above. In this method, the apparatus for attaching a sample to a TEM sample holder is located inside the same FIB vacuum chamber. Hence, the in-situ lift-out, the attachment of a probe-tip point with a sample attached to it to a TEM sample holder, and the final thinning operation can be performed as steps of one process inside the FIB vacuum chamber.

Sample Holder Forming Apparatus

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a TEM coupon (100), as described above. The land (120) that connects the sample holder portion (170) of the coupon (100) to the rest of the coupon (100) will be severed to form the TEM sample holder (170) during the cutting and forming operation. The thickness of the coupon (100) is determined by the thickness required to embed and mechanically lock the probe-tip point (160) in the coupon (100) material and still provide for sufficient mechanical strength of the final sample holder (170) to prevent unwanted folding or separation of the TEM sample holder (170) at the probe-tip point (160) embedding location. For example, for the case of a 125 μm (0.005″) diameter tungsten probe-tip point (160), a thickness of 250-500 μm (0.010″-0.020″) of copper is appropriate for the coupon (100). Both the sample holder (170) material and the surrounding coupon (100) material are slightly recessed in a probe-tip point cut-off zone (130) to allow space for the cutting surfaces to cut the probe-tip point (160) without leaving any portion of the severed probe-tip point (160) extending beyond the 3 mm outside diameter of a standard TEM sample holder (170) or extending beyond the outside border of a standard TEM sample holder (170) of any other suitable shape.

Alignment holes (110) are included to permit alignment of the coupon (100) in the mechanical apparatus that performs the cutting and forming operation. In the case of a C-shaped TEM sample holder (170), the probe-tip point clearance slot (125) (FIG. 3) is a straight slot through the coupon (100), radiating outward from the center of the TEM sample holder (170) beyond the outer diameter of the TEM sample holder (170), that provides clearance for the probe-tip point (160) to permit alignment of the probe-tip point (160) along the surface of the TEM sample holder (170) before the cutting and forming operation.

During the cutting and forming operation, a TEM sample holder (170) is cut from the coupon (100) (FIG. 4). As discussed above, the TEM sample holder (170) can be produced in a C-shape form, or other shape having a circumferential gap (190) to enable later FIB ion milling of the lift-out sample in the plane of the TEM sample holder (170) to produce an electron-transparent thin section approximately parallel to the TEM sample holder (170) plane, or in any other shape allowing the same process. For later milling of the top surface of a sample (140), the gap (190) can be cut from the form at the mouth of the C-shaped hole (135), defined by the land (120) connecting the form to the coupon (100). For later milling of the bottom surface of a sample (140), the gap can be cut from the form at a location approximately opposite the mouth of the hole (135).

During the cutting and forming operation, the harder tungsten probe-tip point (160) is pressed into the softer material of the TEM sample holder (170), and the portion of the probe-tip point (160), extending outside the outer diameter of the 3 mm TEM sample holder shape (170), is cut off. The TEM sample holder (170) material is induced to plastically deform so that the copper material mechanically surrounds the probe-tip point (160) to lock it in place (FIG. 6).

FIGS. 10-13 show a typical process for the cutting and forming operation. The operator places the TEM coupon (100) on the outer die (280) (this operation can be performed by hand, if this operation is performed outside the FIB, or automatically, if it is performed inside the same FIB vacuum chamber) and aligns every probe-tip point (160) in such a way, that every probe-tip point (160) is aligned with the probe-tip point clearance slot (125), and the sample (140), attached to a probe-tip point (160), is oriented parallel to the plane of the TEM sample holder (170). The inner die (290) and the outer die (280) both support the sample holder (170) and the probe-tip point (160). Once every probe tip is secured, the operator positions by hand or automatically the probe tip or probe tips, TEM coupon (100), and all supporting hardware under the main mounting block (220), and actuates a pneumatic switch (310), causing the main mounting block (220) and attached hardware to travel downward under the action of an actuator (300) located above the main mounting block (220). The actuator (300) is preferably pneumatic, but hydraulic or electrical actuators may also be used. There is also the exhaust line (305) for pneumatic actuators.

FIGS. 11-13 show the forming and cutting operation as the main mounting block (220) moves downwards. The former rod (250) contacts every probe-tip point (160) and presses it down into the TEM sample holder (170) material. This continues until the TEM sample holder and the probe-tip point interface build up enough resistance to overcome the force of the hold down spring (230). The hold down spring (230) force is set with a spring adjustment screw (240) to the desired force to ensure that every probe-tip point (160) is pressed fully into the TEM coupon (100). The former rod (250) includes one or more teeth (260) that flow the holder material around the probe-tip point (160) encasing it as it is pressed down (FIG. 14).

Once resistance to the spring (230) is overcome and the former rod (250) movement is stopped, the shear punch (270) continues its travel downward, using the support of both the inner die (290) and the outer die (280) to shear every probe-tip point (160) at the desired length, sever the tab (120) connecting the TEM sample holder (170) from the rest of the TEM coupon (100) and create the C-shaped opening, or the opening of any other suitable shape, in the holder (170). The operator then releases a pneumatic switch to return the main mounting block (220) and attached hardware to its original position, leaving the TEM sample holder (170) separated from the TEM coupon (100) and containing one or more probe-tip points (160) with the samples (140) attached.

Since those skilled in the art can modify the specific embodiments described above, I intend that the claims be interpreted to cover such modifications and equivalents. 

1. A method of preparing a sample for examination in a TEM, the method comprising: attaching a sample to the point of a probe tip; joining the probe-tip point to a TEM sample holder coupon; forming a TEM sample holder from the probe-tip point and the TEM sample holder coupon.
 2. The method of claim 1 where the probe-tip point is joined to the TEM sample holder coupon outside a FIB vacuum chamber.
 3. The method of claim 1 where the probe-tip point is joined to the TEM sample holder inside a FIB vacuum chamber.
 4. A method of preparing a sample for examination in a TEM, where the sample is attached to a probe tip point; the method comprising: providing a TEM sample holder form in the TEM sample holder coupon; orienting the probe-tip points and the TEM sample holder coupon so that the sample is approximately centered in the TEM sample holder; embedding the probe-tip points in the TEM sample holder form; cutting off that portion of every probe-tip point outside the boundary of the TEM sample holder form; and, cutting the TEM sample holder free from the TEM sample holder coupon.
 5. The method of claim 4 where the step of embedding further comprises applying pressure to the TEM sample holder and the probe-tip points so as to cause plastic flow of the TEM sample holder material about the probe-tip points.
 6. The method of claim 1 where the step of joining further comprises welding the probe-tip points to the TEM sample holder.
 7. The method of claim 1 where the step of joining further comprises attaching the probe-tip points to the TEM sample holder with adhesive.
 8. The method of claim 1 where the step of joining further comprises attaching the probe-tip points to the TEM sample holder by chemical-vapor deposition.
 9. The method of claim 4 where the steps of cutting off of the portion of the probe-tip points outside the TEM sample holder boundary and the cutting free of a TEM sample holder are simultaneous.
 10. A method of preparing a sample for examination in a TEM, the method comprising: providing a probe tip; the probe tip having a point; excising a sample from a substrate inside a FIB; attaching the sample to the probe-tip point inside the FIB; removing the probe-tip point and the sample attached to it from the FIB; joining the probe-tip point to a TEM sample holder coupon outside the FIB; and, forming a TEM sample holder from the probe-tip point and the TEM sample holder coupon.
 11. The method of claim 10 where: the FIB comprises a first and a second FIB; the sample is excised from the substrate in the first FIB; and, the sample is attached to the probe-tip point inside the second FIB.
 12. A method of preparing a sample for examination in a TEM, the method comprising: providing a probe tip; the probe tip having a tip point; excising a sample from a substrate inside a FIB; attaching the sample to the probe-tip point inside the FIB; joining every probe-tip point to a TEM sample holder coupon inside the FIB; and, forming a TEM sample holder from the probe-tip point and the TEM sample holder coupon inside the FIB vacuum chamber.
 13. The method of claim 10, where the step of joining the probe-tip point to the TEM sample holder coupon and forming a TEM sample holder further comprises: providing a TEM sample holder form in the TEM sample holder coupon; orienting the probe-tip point and the TEM sample holder coupon so that the sample is approximately centered in the TEM sample holder form; embedding the probe-tip point in the TEM sample holder form; cutting off that portion of the probe-tip point outside the TEM sample holder form outer boundary; and, cutting a TEM sample holder free from the TEM sample holder coupon.
 14. The method of claim 13, where the step of embedding further comprises applying pressure to the TEM sample holder and the probe-tip point so as to cause plastic flow of the TEM sample holder material about the probe-tip point.
 15. The method of claim 10, where the step of joining further comprises welding the probe-tip point to the TEM sample holder.
 16. The method of claim 10, where the step of joining further comprises attaching the probe-tip point to the TEM sample holder with adhesive.
 17. The method of claim 10, where the step of joining further comprises attaching the probe-tip point to the TEM sample holder by chemical-vapor deposition.
 18. The method of claim 10 where the cutting off of the portion of the probe-tip point outside the TEM sample holder boundary and the cutting free of a TEM sample holder are simultaneous.
 19. The method of claim 10 further comprising returning the sample to the FIB for further thinning after forming the TEM sample holder.
 20. The method of claim 12, where the step of joining the probe-tip point to the TEM sample holder coupon and forming a TEM sample holder further comprises: providing a TEM sample holder form in the TEM sample holder coupon; orienting the probe-tip point and the TEM sample holder coupon so that the sample is approximately centered in the TEM sample holder form; embedding the probe-tip point in the TEM sample holder form; cutting off that portion of the probe-tip point outside the TEM sample holder form outer boundary; and, cutting a TEM sample holder free from the TEM sample holder coupon.
 21. The method of claim 13, where the step of embedding further comprises applying pressure to the TEM sample holder and the probe-tip point so as to cause plastic flow of the TEM sample holder material about the probe-tip point.
 22. The method of claim 12, where the step of joining further comprises welding the probe-tip point to the TEM sample holder.
 23. The method of claim 12, where the step of joining further comprises attaching the probe-tip point to the TEM sample holder with adhesive.
 24. The method of claim 12, where the step of joining further comprises attaching the probe-tip point to the TEM sample holder by chemical-vapor deposition.
 25. The method of claim 12 where the cutting off of the portion of the probe-tip point outside the TEM sample holder boundary and the cutting free of a TEM sample holder are simultaneous.
 26. The method of claim 10 where step of joining further comprises: providing corrugations on at least the surface of the TEM sample holder coupon comprising the TEM sample holder form; where the corrugations have a period approximately equal to or less than the diameter of the probe tip point.
 27. The method of claim 26 where the period of the corrugations varies randomly.
 28. The method of claim 26 where the corrugations comprise rows of posts.
 29. The method of claim 12 where step of joining further comprises: providing corrugations on at least the surface of the TEM sample holder coupon comprising the TEM sample holder form; where the corrugations have a period approximately equal to or less than the diameter of the probe tip point.
 30. The method of claim 12 where the period of the corrugations varies randomly.
 31. The method of claim 12 where the corrugations comprise rows of posts. 